The "Approximate Corner Stakes" thread got me thinking...
I work in a suburban area where many lots have an acre or two of woods behind them.
When a homeowner requests their property lines marked, my normal practice is to set (or find) semi-permanent or permanent monuments at the property corners, and wood stakes along the lines between the corners.
There are many good types of monuments available for corners. My question is not about them, but about the intermediate stakes marking the lines.
Wood stakes work very well for this. I use 4' long x 1" x 1" hardwood stakes that are locally available for about $1.20 each. They can be driven in securely, leaving 2-3 feet exposed making an easily visible mark. They are at least somewhat difficult to pull out easily. Their only weakness that I can see is that they only last a year or so before they rot and fall over.
Sometimes, a homeowner will request a more durable marker and I've been unable to come up with anything I think is suitable.
I have seen some surveyors use rebar or pipe for this, but pipe is usually easily pulled out if not set flush, and both are somewhat ugly if left sticking up 2-3 feet. Also, I think there is potential for confusion using pipe or rebar for lines if they are also being used for the corners.
I have tried those mini 1 inch wide Carsonite markers cut in half to 3' lengths, but they are 2 dimensional (hard to see from the sides) and are very easy to pull out (they could be pulled out gripping with just two fingers!).
I've considered 1" PVC pipe, but to me it looks cheap and ugly. I think fiberglass driveway markers are too thin (hard to see) and would be just as easy to pull out as the mini Carsonite posts were.
I would like to be able to provide my clients with something that is both durable and good looking - these stakes are sometimes close to the houses and yards, so appearance matters too.
So does anyone have any suggestions for what to try?
Thanks!
Well, that might work...:-P
T post. Last long time. Also handy for marking up corners in tall grass and brush.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
> The "Approximate Corner Stakes" thread got me thinking...
> I have seen some surveyors use rebar or pipe for this, but pipe is usually easily pulled out if not set flush, and both are somewhat ugly if left sticking up 2-3 feet.
Don't do that, especially with rebar. The personal injury liability is huge.
Painting with cheap latex will keep a field guy busy on a rainy day, will look nicer and will last a few years.
Partner up with a fencing company or just set posts.
[sarcasm]Can't you just blaze some trees that are on line?[/sarcasm]
While ultra vires as this Regulation appears to be under the wrong Act, have a go:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_910525_e.htm
For intermediate points, I use 3/8" x 16" bars with red tape driven flush.
Cheers,
Derek
I would keep using the wood lath and let the landowner decide what to replace your wood lath with. I have set T-post next to corners or on the property line.
ditto on the electric fence post
there is also a model that comes in red and is a 3/8 inch smooth by 48 inch at ACE Hardware
I like these. Very easy to see and they won't be confused for being property corners!
> I would keep using the wood lath and let the landowner decide what to replace your wood lath with. I have set T-post next to corners or on the property line.
There's an argument for almost the opposite. In some states, only a surveyor can set monuments, not landowners. In some states, a metal stake is considered a monument and a wood stake isn't. So the surveyor is allowed to set metal stakes (which should meet all the state rules for material, identification, etc.). The landowner who had a survey and later wants to mark the line between the monuments set by the surveyor should use wood stakes to avoid unlawful practice of land surveying.
But land surveyors also set temporary marks for various purposes; probably no reason those can't be wood. If the landowner wants to perpetuate those wooden marks the landowner should use wood too, to avoid unlawful practice of land surveying. But of course it's all state specific.
I will usually set a 40d flagged nail and 16" stake for a P.O.L. and the owner is walked along the lines when done. Let them spend the $1.20 per point for those tall stakes if they want.
Do those Flamingos come in blaze orange?
I call these "u" posts:
http://m.tractorsupply.com/en/store/garden-zone-light-duty-fence-post-4-ft?cm_vc=-10005
How about these?:
42" x 2" x 2" (actually 1-1/2" nominal); pressure treated; will last in the ground 10 years or more. $.99
Only down side is you have to bevel cut three more sides to make a point on one end.
I will check these out. Googling "electric fence post" also brought up some round fiberglass posts, 1/2 inch diameter x 4' long that might work.
The only problem with these is that there is no place to plug them in and I don't have enough batteries!o.O
> Don't do that, especially with rebar. The personal injury liability is huge.
Yes, this is my concern too.
> Painting with cheap latex will keep a field guy busy on a rainy day, will look nicer and will last a few years.
Hmmm...This hadn't occurred to me. Do you just paint the whole stake white?
I'll also look into these.
> In some states, only a surveyor can set monuments, not landowners. In some states, a metal stake is considered a monument and a wood stake isn't. So the surveyor is allowed to set metal stakes (which should meet all the state rules for material, identification, etc.). The landowner who had a survey and later wants to mark the line between the monuments set by the surveyor should use wood stakes to avoid unlawful practice of land surveying.
I doubt a land owner would be charged with unlawfully practicing land surveying because they built a T-Post fence on line. I don't see how T-Posts without wire is any different.
If you are wanting to light the way the best thing to do would be to install something that makes its own power and provides light
:star: